Into a Life of Prayer; A Journey, Part 4

Links for earlier prayer series posts are here:  Part 1, Part 2, Part 3




The Lord's Prayer, Our Model, Vol. 2

Last week we explored the words Our Father, establishing the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. In this post we'll explore Who Art in Heaven, and then separate the preface of the prayer from the seven petitions--the petitions to be explored later.


There is a rather complicated abstract matter we must deal with, and then we'll discuss more practically what this phrase means for our prayers.

Though I've read a number of complicated accounts of the phrase Who Art in Heaven, I still feel unqualified to put these ideas into my own words.  Thus, I offer an excerpt (full article here):

Having shown that God and man are parent and child, he goes on to delineate the function of each in the grand scheme of things. He explains that it is the nature of God to be in heaven, and of man to be on earth, because God is Cause, and man is manifestation. Cause cannot be expression, and expression cannot be cause, and we must be careful not to confuse the two things. Here heaven stands for God or Cause, because in religious phraseology heaven is the term for the Presence of God. In metaphysics it is called the Absolute, because it is the realm of Pure Unconditioned Being, of archetypal ideas. The word "earth" means manifestation, and man's function is to manifest or express God, or Cause (emphasis mine).

In other words, God is the Infinite and Perfect Cause of all things; but Cause has to be expressed, and God expresses Himself by means of man. Man's destiny is to express God in all sorts of glorious and wonderful ways (emphasis mine). Some of this expression we see as his surroundings; first his physical body, which is really only the most intimate part of his embodiment; then his home; his work; his recreation; in short, his whole expression. To express means to press outwards, or bring into sight that which already exists implicity. Every feature of your life is really a manifestation or expression of something in your soul.

Some of these points may seem at first to be a little abstract; but since it is misunderstandings about the relationship of God and man that lead to all our difficulties, it is worth any amount of trouble to correctly understand that relationship. Trying to have manifestation without Cause is atheism and materialism, and we know where they lead. Trying to have Cause without manifestation leads man to suppose himself to be a personal God, and this commonly ends in megalomania and a kind of paralysis of expression.

The important thing to realize is that God is in heaven and man on earth, and that each has his own role in the scheme of things. Although they are One, they are not one-and-the-same. Jesus establishes this point carefully when he says, "Our Father which art in heaven."

A more practical understanding of the phrase Who Art in Heaven, comes in remembering that though God is everywhere, His specific dwelling place is in Heaven, where we will one day go.  We are merely pilgrims here on earth. When we pray we must try to detach ourselves from earthly matters, and put on a homeward mindset. In doing so, we are beginning our prayer by placing ourselves, and our thoughts, in the presence of the Father.  

We must remember our purpose as described above....."to manifest or express God in all sorts of glorious ways".  Notice that expressing ourselves is not mentioned.  We belong to the Father.  We're bought and paid for, through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Most of us probably spend much of our day self-centered. Prayer is the only thing that changes that.  Prayer makes us God-centered.

We must live for Him, express Him, through our every action. That's why we pray!  So we can express Him. Without consistent prayer--which essentially sticks us like glue to the Father--we cannot fulfill our purpose, which is to express God.

Without a prayer life we only express......guess who?

Ourselves.

Now that I've completely beat that into you (sorry!), we'll move on.....

Our Father Who Art in Heaven is the preface to the Lord's Prayer.  All other parts of the prayer are considered petitions, of which there are seven.

The first three petitions:  (1) Hallowed be Thy Name; (2) They Kingdom Come; (3) Thy Will Be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven....all pertain to the glory of the Father.  They draw us toward the Father.

The last four petitions present our desires to the Father. (4) give us this Day our daily Bread; (5) And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; (6) And lead us not into temptation; (7) But deliver us from evil.

We'll explore the petitions in the next few installments.

For now, go and express Him!

Author's Corner - Lois Lowry, Joan W. Blos

My last author's corner featured the BFG (Big Friendly Giant), by Roald Dahl.  While he enjoyed Dahl's humor, Peter requested that we only read the BFG during the day. His OCD was telling him a giant would come through his window at night (he had trouble falling asleep one night).  While I did try the day-reading arrangement, I couldn't read it without Mary, age 4, listening in.  She rather liked it, but it wasn't for her age group and didn't seem appropriate.  Paul was disappointed, but I told him he was welcome to finish it on his own.

Not previously an avid reader, Paul soon found himself engrossed in the Magic Tree House book series, so the BFG sits on our shelf, waiting.

The other problem with reading a novel to the boys during the day, is that every paragraph is interrupted by me checking on the two-year-old's whereabouts.  And too many other things have to happen during her one-hour nap, so for now, our novel reading is limited to evenings.

We moved on to Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry (Book Level 4.5).

Number The Stars, by Lois Lowry

Set in 1943 Copenhagen, Denmark, this 1990 Newberry-award winner details the lives of two young best friends, Annemarie and Ellen, during Nazi occupation of Denmark. Ten-year-old Annemarie must be very brave as her family shelters Ellen, who is Jewish, from the Nazis.

Rich in historical detail, this book fascinated us with its expertly woven storyline. Many tears were shed, mostly Momma's, who found it so intriguing she stayed up late one night and finished all 137 pages.

Seriously, Newberry medal books always leave me wanting more, more, more!  I can't put them down, even if it means going to bed at 3:30 AM. Reading ahead prevents my lack of self-discipline from keeping my boys up too late.

More information about Lois Lowry, now in her seventies, can be found at her personal website, which features her autobiography.

Also on her website, Lois lists the Newberry Medal winners from 1922 through 2005.  She won another Newberry in 1994, for The Giver.

Following Number the Stars, we read a 1980 Newberry Medal winner entitled A Gathering of Days; A New England Girl's Journal, by Joan W. Blos. (Book Level 6.1)

A Gathering of Days, by Joan W. Blos



Set in 1830, this novel, written in journey-entry format, details the life of Catherine Hall, a thirteen-year-old New Hampshire resident. Catherine, who has a quiet, lovely, God-fearing personality, takes care of her widowed father and young sister after the death of her mother and baby brother, though the details of these earlier deaths are not part of the novel.

During the two-year journal, Catherine's father remarries, gifting Catherine with a step-mother and a same-age brother. The historical detail, again, is very rich, providing children with an in-depth look at 1830 farm life, as well as some detail about the slavery politics of the day.

Catherine's best friend and neighbor, Cassie, dies during this time. Paul and I shed tears over many pages, but notwithstanding the sadness, this very Christian novel is a gem, keeping even my boys intrigued.  Here is a biography for Joan Blos, born in 1928.

Since finishing A Gathering of Days, I've spent much time wondering what happened to this country's Christian beginnings.  So many of the novels set in Colonial and early America depict deep abiding faith in Jesus Christ. It grieves me to think of the tragic turn America has taken!

Last night we began Miss Hickory, by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey, the 1947 Newberry Medal winner.  We loved the first chapter, detailing the New Hampshire countryside adventures of a doll.  Yes, you read that right.  A doll.  Miss Hickory is an apple-wood twig doll, with a hickory nut for a head.  This is a very imaginative tale, in which the countryside animals, Miss Hickory's companions, are given real-life, intriguing personalities.  I bookmarked this homeschool page, detailing many rich lessons derived from Miss Hickory.

Miss Hickory, by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey

Monday Gratitude

Psalm 100:1-5  A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

I am thankful for...

...a harmless snake on my back porch, apparently making a nest there.  We have a deal, the serpent and I.  You, serpent, eat all the mice who seek to enter my house, and I, (with my mice paranoia), will allow you to stay as long as you'd like.  If you are hiding a nest of eggs on my porch-that's-not-really-a-porch (just a patch of square bricks with grass and weeds growing in between), well then, your babies are welcome too.

- the keyhole in the van that functions less and less reliably.  We pray for the salvation of relatives and neighbors and then finally, the key turns and we are on our way.  Today we needed groceries and couldn't get out of the driveway for fifteen minutes.  It was hot in the van, especially for those in the back. We prayed--the three older kids and me--for as many people as we could think of.  When we could think of no more, we prayed for people we would see in the store. When that didn't work, we persuaded two-year-old Beth to pray that the van would start.  Peter told me he was convinced this would work.  I was out of ideas, so it sounded grand to me. He told her, "Beth, say 'Lord, turn the key please'."

Finally, the key turned and we were on our way.

Bizarre problem to have.  Annoying.  But I give thanks for that keyhole problem.  Any problem that leaves you relying solely on God to get from A to B is a good problem to have.  Having to pray for daily manna, daily sustenance of any type, is a good problem to have.

Do you know it has taken me two years and three months of underemployment to learn to distinguish a good problem from a bad one?  And the best part?  I've only got good problems!

- the act of hunting for blessings, drawing them out of the mundane.

- no mud in my yard.

- days and days of overheating giving way to pleasant temps in the seventies.

- four children out catching insects.

- three children hoping the snake is hiding some eggs, and that baby snakes will soon emerge.

- online friends who brighten my day, who share my burdens.

- a really good sermon on Sunday night.

- a yard with grass (okay, dandelion and clover have taken it over, but once its mowed, it looks like grass....it's green anyway....very green)

- day lilies will bloom soon.

- bird of paradise soon to bloom.

- lots of frogs and toads in the yard to delight Peter and Mary (probably why we currently have a snake taking up residence)

- more weeds to dig up and 70's temps to make it more fun.

- Kristen's kidneys doing better!  Don't stop praying!  Our prayers will defeat the enemy, who attacks every Christian mission, every time.  Every bold Christian act, even newly consistent prayer, is reason for spiritual attack.  The answer? More prayer!

- consistent prayer.  Not letting distance separate you from His Spirit is the secret to the abundant life in Christ! Now, why did it take me fourteen years to learn that?  Hmm. That part is not good.  Don't let it take you that long, friend! Pray. every. day.

Guest Post: Amy's Prayer Warrior Journey, Vol. 2

To read Vol. 1 of Amy's Journey, click here.


Hearing the Spirit

Continuing my prayer this week, I've realized how much easier it is to hear the Spirit speaking to me because I have put time into my relationship with the Lord--praising Him, thanking Him, and asking for help.  

This week the Spirit has revealed to me that I need to ask to be filled with the Spirit each night and morning and throughout the day.  I can tend to be a perfectionist and want to do things in my own strength.  The Lord has revealed this to me before, but it's a continual struggle.  

For His Glory

What's even more important is that I ask to be filled with the Spirit so I can do all things for HIS GLORY.  This was an ah-ha moment for me when I read one of Christine's posts and then heard it again at church Sunday morning.  I want to be a good wife, mother, sister, and friend, but I believe I was thinking of it in a more self-centered way.  I wanted to be better, more like Jesus, because then I would feel better, but it's not about me, it's about HIM.   

I heard the Spirit speaking because I made the time to listen. 

I must admit that one night I did not pray.  I really don't know why other than I was tired.  After I pray each night, I feel a sense of peace that often gets lost throughout my day of caring for children, the house, and some days, going to work.  I often forget to pray during the day and my scheduled prayer time brings me back to God.  I can't figure out why I would choose to skip praying because it was a choice.  I just didn't pray one night.  At all.  

I was so filled with anxiety the next day.  I struggle with anxiety at different times.  Change of seasons or other big changes seem to bring it on.  It's probably related to hormones too.  My anxiety often leads to fear, which is such a difficult thing to deal with.  I need to pray and read the Bible to help me gain the right perspective.  I know anxiety and fear are not from God.  He is not communicating to me through these feelings.  

Experiencing His Faithfulness, His Grace

When I spoke with my husband about my feelings, he asked if I had prayed about it.  The answer was "no."  I can't explain why I didn't other than my sinfulness, pride, selfishness.  I ended up praying earlier that night as my husband watched over the kids....because I needed the Lord's help.  This prayer was not as structured, but Jesus answered my prayer and my fears were relieved.  

I continue to pray for help in this area.  I am so thankful that Jesus always forgives and loves me, not for my actions, but by His GRACE.

caddishness of women; are you guilty?

I have a question for you.  

Warning:  It will make you defensive.  You might even get mad.


When was the last time you remember tearing down another woman with your words, behind her back?


Got the image in your mind now?


Okay, then, what preceded your comments?  


Did she just get a promotion, a bigger house, a coveted ministry position at your church?  Did her house look far more organized than yours?  Were her kids far less boisterous?  Is her husband better than yours, in some way?  Did she lose the baby weight?  Does she have money in savings and a fat retirement account....and she gives tons to charity?  Did she pay cash for her car?  Just publish a book?  Redecorate her house?  Did her cake get the most compliments at the church potluck?  Does she stay at home, while you work?  Does she work, while you stay at home?  


Women can be nasty, jealous, caddish. 


When something great happens to another woman, we think about how we measure up, and suddenly, we're frustrated. Next thing we know, some ungracious criticism flies off our tongue, landing like rotten fish on an innocent bystander's lap. (Hopefully the innocent bystander is just our husband.....to whom we apologize later.)


Not pretty.  


I told you this would make you angry.  Defensive.


But it's true.  Most of us can't deny it. 


I've been thinking about this topic these past few days because of a post Shaun Groves wrote about the caddy e-mails he gets in his inbox from women, about women, preceding or following Compassion Blogging trips. An excerpt of his post is in red below:

They come out of the woodwork during every blogging trip. Women – always women – posting and e-mailing and calling Compassion because they don’t like a woman – always a woman – I’ve chosen to take overseas.

Don’t you know…Her marriage is broken.
Her past is checkered.
She’s so dramatic.
She’s lying about not having a TV.
She’s fat.
She’s a hypocrite.
She’s a Republican.
She meditates.
She’s just plain annoying.

Suspicion. Assumption. Judgment.

Or is that my judgment? So hard to tell.Their words are not always without merit, mind you, but so often strike me as judgment nonetheless. Not the timbre of concern or love but hate – riddled with name calling and threats and depleted of all rationality by CAPITALS and exclamation marks!!!!!!!!

Now, I think few of us would be foolish enough to e-mail Shaun Groves about some woman we didn't like.  The stupidity and futility of such an act would not be lost on us, especially given that his only mission in life is to glorify God and release children from poverty in Jesus' name.

His post speaks of the extreme, the ridiculous, but it got a lot of women thinking (51 comments).

What's at the root of our caddiness.....even when it's only uttered in private to our husbands?

My conclusion thus far, after two days deliberation, is that we feel unduly frustrated by two separate scenarios:

1.  Someone is getting recognition, but we're not getting any recognition for our work, for our achievements.

2.  Someone is getting blessed, but we're still struggling along.

After narrowing it down, I then had to decide.....what are the spiritual problems involved?

1st spiritual problem:  We are seeking glory for ourselves.


Only God deserves glory.  It is only through Him that we accomplish anything worthy.  We are to value a lowly position.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.


Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.


James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.


2nd spiritual problem:  We are grumbling about what we have; we're discontented.

God is sovereign.  He gives and takes as He wills.  We're to submit to His will in all things.  We're to seek and find joy in relationship with Him...not through things...He is the blessing.

Hebrews 13:5
"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" 


Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.


Psalm 36:7
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings.


Psalm 36:8
They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.


3rd spiritual problem:  We are seeking the things of this world.


1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.


Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.


James 4:4
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.


James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.


How can we stop?
Prayer is the only answer. We must have a rich, consistent prayer life.....to daily fill up our cups with Him.....to daily cleanse our souls.  Also, The Lord's Prayer contains some words most of us ignore:  Lead us not into temptation...but deliver us from evil.  We need to ask the Father to help us avoid sin.  That asking, that humbling of ourselves, must be a component of our daily prayer life.